'Tis the season... to be jolly and I have been trying my best to do that for the girls. I have decked the halls - it really is looking a lot like Christmas! I got the tree from Anthuriums which is a local business in Coney Hall, West Wickham, here in Kent. They have some beautiful things in their shop. A recommended place to visit http://www.anthuriums.co.uk/
Here are some sneak peeks of my efforts from our home:
I have also been baking festive treats for the school cake sale and for the girls to decorate which was actually great fun and I enjoyed it much more than I expected! I do love a bit of creativity!
'Tis the season... to remember those who are no longer with us. I think of my Dad often especially at this time of year. I know he would want us to be happy and smiling so I am doing my best. On 19th December it will be 2 years since we lost him to Mesothelioma: asbestos cancer. It is hard to believe it will be 2 years since we last saw, hugged and spoke to him... It will also be Ella's 7th birthday. Oh how I wish the two weren't on the same day but I will reserve some time to think of my Dad before being fun and happy mum for Ella. She is looking so grown up and asking more challenging questions! I am sure my Dad would have loved her growing character and humour! We all miss him dearly...
'Tis the season... to be thankful. Since losing Dad I have been much more aware of how difficult this time of year is for many people. When Dad passed away I was very fortunate to have a loving husband to comfort me and friends and family near and far who offered kind words and a helping hand. It is difficult to be away from family at such times so I am thankful for those who have helped me through it. My girls were a fabulous distraction and I am very thankful to be mummy to such lovely, happy and intelligent girls. I am thankful for Ella's progress at school and so proud . I love she shares my passion for reading, writing and all things creative. I am thankful Amy sleeps better at night now she is 4 years old and has such a fun personality. She is a very popular little girl at preschool. Long may it all continue! I am thankful for the summer success with the books. Anastasia and Larry the Liger both had bestsellers in the kindle chart in their relevant categories. I am thankful mostly to have a happy and healthy family... 'Tis the season... of kindness. This year I really felt a need to help others who were alone or had very little. The Christmas season highlights loneliness and harshly reminds many of how little they have. I think of those who are homeless or have young children and little or no money. This year I decided to donate to two charities who do important work for such people. I donated to Crisis http://www.crisis.org.uk/ instead of sending out Christmas cards to friends on Facebook. They help homeless people and do some amazing things at Christmas and all through the year. I still sent some cards out to those who are not on Facebook but it was my wish to help others this year. My true friends know what they mean to me and were understanding about the lack of a card. I also donated some toys and baby equipment to a charity called Hestia who help out those who are struggling in many areas of life (unable to add a link as it wasn't working properly however please contact me if you want to find out more). I think back to my childhood Christmases and how my parents always made it special and exciting. If only we could make Christmas happier for everyone...
'Tis the season... to be around those we love and we will be spending some time with our families this Christmas which I am looking forward to. New memories to be made, lovely food, silly games, wine and song... hopefully, will be on the cards. Family is so important and I hope I am instilling this in my girls so they will value and look after one another when their mummy and daddy are gone. I hope they continue the special Christmas traditions we all love at this time of year. Stockings at the end of the bed on Christmas Eve to be filled by Santa. Main present: in the lounge which we all enter together on Christmas morning so we can all see if the big fella has been. Leaving a mince pie for Santa, a carrot for the reindeer and a glass of milk (yes, we are very sensible!), going to church on Christmas Eve for Christingle...
'Tis the season... of magic. I remember the magic of Christmas as a child and I am so grateful I was lucky enough to have that. I am so happy both my girls still believe in Father Christmas and also understand the true message of Christmas. I love that both their school and preschool Christmas performances are based around the Nativity. How lovely it is to see all the children working together and having fun... mostly! A child's reaction to the magic is why I love to write for children. I love their reactions to the books. I love that Ella's class erupted into chaos, vying to point out the extra thing with wings in Things with Wings! Apologies to the teachers! I loved making the Portable North Pole (PNP) videos for the girls and seeing their reactions to Father Christmas saying their names. I really enjoyed making the new grown up video for Jason and seeing his reaction when Father Christmas told him 'how remarkable' I was, he he...
'Tis the season... to relax, hopefully, and enjoy not enduring the madness of the school run in the morning, getting everyone out of the house on time and remembering everything, and the rushing to before and after school classes and clubs. I am looking forward to chilling out with my girls once school and preschool break up; watching Home Alone, The Nativity, Polar Express and other festive gems. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve and hearing all about Ella's and Amy's visit to Daddy's office in London. I wish his workplace luck, I truly do, he he... I am really looking forward to having all four of us together for Christmas. I can't wait for Jason to finish work on Christmas Eve and having a few days off. How precious that time is...
'Tis the season... of Christmas. Hooray! It is 8 sleeps until the big day and I can't wait! I wish you all a magical, peaceful and happy Christmas, and here's to a healthy, happy and successful 2015. The Phillips' 2014 Christmas journey has begun...
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